Iran's space program advances satellite program, eyes better missile launchers, new facilities

Iran is significantly advancing its space program, with plans to inaugurate new facilities, including laboratories, satellite control centers, and the Chabahar launch site, according to Hassan Salarieh, head of the Iranian Space Agency. The program is developing several satellites, such as Nahid 2 and 3, the Shahid Soleimani constellation, and Fars 2 and 3 observation satellites, alongside its first domestically produced radar satellite. Iran emphasizes international cooperation, particularly with China, and participation in the Chang'e lunar project. Salarieh noted that the Simurgh and Qaem 100 launchers have reached an “acceptable” level of maturity, with testing for more advanced launch vehicles and an upgraded Simurgh expected soon. The US intelligence community and Israel view Iran's satellite launch vehicle development as a potential precursor to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), leading to Israeli actions against Iranian aerospace facilities due to dual-use concerns for nuclear weapons delivery and regional monitoring.